Energy prices are making news, and it is important that Pennsylvania consumers know their options and what to expect if energy and electric costs increase.
Many electric utility providers began notifying their customers that the cost of electricity will be increasing, beginning June 1, for customers who remain with them for “default service,” which is the rate you are charged if you do not choose a competitive electric supplier.
The Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate (OCA) and the Office of Attorney General this week urged Pennsylvanians to know their options in response to price changes and to be careful and wary about door-to-door sales of energy.
“From the gas pump to the grocery store, many Pennsylvanians are feeling squeezed financially because of higher prices for essential items, so it certainly comes as unwelcome news that many electric utilities are increasing their prices for select customers,” AG General Michelle Henry said. “Consumers should know they have options.”
Consumers should also be vigilant when dealing with salespeople who may try to pressure potential customers into making quick decisions. Take your time when deciding what is best for you and your household.
While the competitive market may provide some savings, consumers need to be careful to make sure that they know product terms, fees, and variability of their energy contract, if they choose to shop for an alternative provider.
Shop Smart: If you choose to shop for an alternate supplier, the OCA recommends following these basic tips.
• Consider a utility’s standard offer program or customer referral program: These programs provide a 12-month fixed rate contract that offers 7% off the utility price at the time of your enrollment. Your rate will be fixed, and it will be lower than the utility price at the time you enroll, but the actual percentage of the savings you see may change (or be eliminated) if the price to compare changes in the future. Contact your utility company to find out more.
• Use OCA’s shopping guide or shop on PA Power Switch: Both are official state-hosted and monitored websites. All suppliers listed are licensed to provide service in Pennsylvania.
• Learn about the offers before signing up for service: Looking at the price per kWh is not the only factor. Some suppliers charge additional fees that may include but are not limited to monthly fees, customer charges, or early cancellation fees.
• After enrollment, plan for the end of your contract: Although suppliers are required by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission’s regulations to notify customers of the end of their contracts, it is best to keep track of this information to ensure the account is not rolled into a variable or higher rate when the contract expires.
• Look at your bills every month: Be sure to monitor your monthly electric bills to ensure you are being charged the agreed-upon rate with your selected supplier.
Regardless of whether you switch to another supplier, you should consider enrolling in a budget billing program. This program spreads seasonal bill increases over a period of time. Budget billing is available to all consumers regardless of income. To enroll, contact your utility company directly.
“The Office of Consumer Advocate wants consumers to be prepared for increased energy costs and know their rights,” said Pennsylvania Consumer Advocate Patrick Cicero. “Door-to-door salespeople should have clear identification. You are not required to let them into your home and you may ask them to leave at any time. Should you sign a contract with a salesperson at your door, you may rescind that contract within three business days.”
Contact the Office of Consumer Advocate if you have questions: OCA has a consumer hotline that can assist households who have questions about their energy bills. Call 1-800-684-6560 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. or email us at consumer@paoca.org.
Consumers who believe they have been taken advantage of or victimized by their energy company should file a complaint online or contact the Office of Attorney General at scams@attorneygeneral.gov or 1-800-441-2555.
Meuser introduces bill to ensure states
receive fair share of broadand funding
U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Dallas, this week introduced H.R. 3609, the Accurate Map for Broadband Investment Act.
Meuser was joined by U.S. Rep. Susie Lee (D-NV) in introducing the legislation in the House, and U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and John Thune (R-SD) introduced the companion bill in the Senate.
Meuser said this bipartisan legislation ensures that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has time to update and fix the deeply flawed National Broadband Map before the Department of Commerce fully allocates broadband infrastructure funding.
This mapping plays a major role in determining state-by-state allocation of broadband infrastructure funding through the $42 billion Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment Program.
Meuser argues the current version of the map could cause many states to lose out on potentially hundreds of millions of dollars of federal funding they are owed under the law.
“In the 21st century, access to reliable high-speed internet should be the rule and not the exception,” Meuser said. “Unfortunately, far too many Pennsylvanians and others living in rural communities across the country lack sufficient access to broadband, which is unacceptable. And while Congress has made strides to expand coverage, the National Broadband Map, which is used to allocate federal dollars to address the issue, is severely flawed.
“Rural communities, like those in my District, are significantly underrepresented on the current map, meaning they will miss out on vital funding. This bill will help ensure the FCC has time to correct the flawed map before federal funds are fully dispersed. I thank Congresswoman Lee for joining me in my efforts to make certain all communities that currently lack access to broadband are appropriately represented on the map to ensure they receive fair federal funding.”
Rep. Lee said, “Last Congress, I helped pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This Congress, I’m making sure that Nevada gets its fair share of its broadband funding. I’m proud to join Rep. Meuser in introducing legislation that will help states like Nevada secure our share of federal dollars for the communities that need access to high-speed internet the most.”
The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce for consideration.
L&I reinforces commitment
to protecting young workers
As summer break approaches and teenagers seek employment opportunities, Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Acting Secretary Nancy Walker this week reminded workers under the age of 18 of the protections afforded to them by law and is encouraging employers across Pennsylvania to familiarize themselves with Pennsylvania’s Child Labor Act to ensure they are in full compliance or face potential consequences.
“As businesses are turning more and more to our young workers to fill job vacancies, it’s crucial that we reiterate this point: unlawful employment of young workers will not be tolerated and may result in potential fines and enforcement actions,” said Walker. “Remember, they are not just workers — they’re our kids — and L&I remains committed to protecting them and holding bad actors accountable. We cannot allow profits to come before children’s safety.”
Pennsylvania’s Child Labor Act, enforced by L&I’s Bureau of Labor Law Compliance (BLLC), protects the health, safety, and welfare of minors employed in the Commonwealth by limiting employment in certain establishments and occupations, restricting the hours of work, regulating work conditions, and requiring work permits for children hired to fill a position. The Fair Labor Standards Act, also known as the federal child labor law, also applies in Pennsylvania. Where the laws overlap, the most protective standard applies.
Currently, the BLLC has 27 investigators to cover all 67 counties in Pennsylvania. Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2023-2024 budget includes funding for eight more labor law compliance investigators to enforce all of Pennsylvania’s labor laws and further protect Pennsylvania’s children and other workers.
Pennsylvania’s Child Labor Act has distinct provisions for minors in three age categories: under 14, 14-15, and 16-17. All minors under 16 must have a written statement by the minor’s parent or guardian acknowledging the duties and hours of employment and granting permission to work. Minors are also required to obtain a work permit from their school district’s issuing officer.
Except for minors who work in newspaper delivery, no minors may work no more than six consecutive days. In addition, all minors must be provided a 30-minute meal period on or before five consecutive hours of work. Full- or part-time minors must be paid at least minimum wage, which is currently $7.25 per hour.